Isaiah 34:16

KJV

Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Seek ye out {H1875} of the book {H5612} of the LORD {H3068}, and read {H7121}: no one {H259} of these {H2007} shall fail {H5737}, none {H802} shall want {H6485} her mate {H7468}: for my mouth {H6310} it hath commanded {H6680}, and his spirit {H7307} it hath gathered {H6908} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Consult the book of ADONAI and read it: not one of these will be missing, none will be lacking a mate. For by his own mouth he gave the order, and by his Spirit he brought them together.

Berean Standard Bible

Search and read the scroll of the LORD: Not one of these will go missing, not one will lack her mate, because He has ordered it by His mouth, and He will gather them by His Spirit.

American Standard Version

Seek ye out of the book of Jehovah, and read: no one of these shall be missing, none shall want her mate; for my mouth, it hath commanded, and his Spirit, it hath gathered them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 34:16 stands as a profound declaration of the absolute certainty and divine authority of God's prophetic word, particularly in the context of the sweeping judgments detailed in the preceding verses. It serves as both an imperative command to diligently consult the written revelation of the Lord and an unwavering assurance that every detail of His decree, spoken by His mouth and executed by His Spirit, will come to pass with meticulous precision, leaving nothing unfulfilled.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 34, often paired with Isaiah 35, forms a powerful prophetic diptych. Chapter 34 vividly describes the "Day of the LORD's Vengeance" against all nations, with a specific and intense focus on Edom (also known as Idumea), a long-standing adversary of Israel. The chapter paints a grim picture of cosmic upheaval and earthly desolation, where the land of Edom will be utterly laid waste, becoming a perpetual wasteland inhabited only by wild, unclean animals and birds. Verses 11-15 detail specific creatures—the pelican, owl, raven, wild goats, and various night creatures—that will take possession of the ruined cities. Verse 16 directly follows this detailed prophecy of destruction, acting as a divine seal or authentication. It commands the reader to "seek out of the book of the LORD and read," thereby inviting verification of the certainty of these events, emphasizing that every single detail, down to the pairing of the desolate creatures, will be meticulously fulfilled according to God's precise decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah 34 are set against the backdrop of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires, which were instruments of God's judgment against both Israel and surrounding nations. Edom, located southeast of Judah, maintained a consistently hostile relationship with Israel, often capitalizing on Judah's misfortunes (e.g., during the Babylonian exile, as lamented in [Obadiah 1:10-14, where Edom stood by while Jerusalem was plundered](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Treachery Against Judah")). The imagery of desolation and wild animals inhabiting ruined cities was a common ancient Near Eastern motif signifying complete and irreversible destruction. The concept of a "book" containing divine decrees was also familiar, representing authoritative, unchanging pronouncements. The command to "seek out" and "read" implies that God's word was accessible and intended for study, a radical notion in a world where divine communication was often mediated solely through priests or prophets.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty and Omnipotence of God**, demonstrating that His decrees are not mere suggestions but irresistible commands that bring about their intended effect. Secondly, it highlights the **Infallibility and Reliability of God's Word**, affirming that every prophecy, promise, and warning originating from Him will be precisely fulfilled. This theme is foundational to biblical faith, echoing passages like [Numbers 23:19, which declares that God is not a man that He should lie](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man, That He Should Lie"). Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Importance of Scripture**, portraying "the book of the LORD" as the authoritative source for understanding God's will and future plans, thereby encouraging diligent engagement with divine revelation, a principle powerfully articulated in [2 Timothy 3:16-17 regarding the inspiration and sufficiency of Scripture](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - The Inspiration and Sufficiency of Scripture"). Finally, the meticulous imagery of creatures finding their "mate" in the desolate land reinforces the **Precision of Divine Judgment**, showing that God's justice is not random but exact and comprehensive, leaving no detail overlooked.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seek (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** A primitive root meaning "to tread or frequent," and by implication, "to seek or ask." It carries the sense of diligent inquiry, pursuit, or even worshipful attention. In this context, it is a strong imperative, commanding an active, intentional search and investigation of "the book of the LORD," implying a deep, persistent effort to understand God's revealed will rather than a casual glance.
* **Book (Hebrew, _çêpher'_):** This term refers to "writing (the art or a document)" and by implication, "a book." Here, "the book of the LORD" signifies God's authoritative, divinely inspired written revelation. It is not necessarily a single physical scroll as we know the Bible today, but rather the comprehensive body of God's revealed word, containing His decrees, prophecies, and laws, which serves as an undeniable record and testament to His plans.
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "(intensively) to constitute, enjoin," or "to appoint, bid, charge, command." It signifies a divine decree or authoritative instruction. The use of this word emphasizes the irresistible power and absolute authority behind God's pronouncements. What God "commands" is not merely spoken but is an act of ordination, ensuring its certain and inevitable fulfillment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read:"** This is an imperative command, a direct address to the reader (or listener), urging them to consult God's written revelation. It implies that the truth and certainty of the preceding prophecies are verifiable within God's own word. The act of "reading" is not passive but an active engagement with the divine text, seeking understanding and confirmation of God's decrees.
* **"no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate:"** This declaration provides the profound assurance of absolute fulfillment. "These" refers to the specific details of the judgment described in the preceding verses, particularly the animals designated to inhabit desolate Edom. "Shall fail" (H5737, *ʻădar*) means to "miss" or "find wanting," while "none shall want her mate" (H6485, *pâqad*, and H7468, *rᵉʻûwth*) vividly portrays the meticulous precision of the prophecy. It means that not a single creature mentioned will be absent, nor will any be without its designated partner, symbolizing that every single detail of God's decree will be perfectly and completely realized. There will be no gaps, no omissions, no unfulfilled aspects.
* **"for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them."** This concluding clause reveals the irresistible divine agency behind the prophecy's certainty. The phrase "my mouth it hath commanded" attributes the origin of the decree directly to God's authoritative utterance, underscoring its power and unchangeability. The parallel phrase "his spirit it hath gathered them" indicates that the Holy Spirit is the active agent in bringing about the precise fulfillment of God's spoken word, orchestrating every detail, including the gathering of the specific creatures to their appointed desolate habitation. This highlights the unified work of the triune God in executing His sovereign will.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 34:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with force and clarity. The primary device is **Imperative Mood**, as seen in "Seek ye out... and read," which functions as a direct command, underscoring the urgency and importance of engaging with divine revelation. **Personification** is evident in "the book of the LORD," which, while referring to written scripture, is imbued with the authority and active voice of God Himself. The phrase "none shall want her mate" utilizes vivid **Imagery** and **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute and meticulous fulfillment of the prophecy; it's an extreme statement to guarantee that not a single detail will be missed. Finally, **Anthropomorphism** is present in "my mouth it hath commanded" and "his spirit it hath gathered them," attributing human-like actions (speaking, gathering) to God and His Spirit to make His active involvement and irresistible power comprehensible to human readers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 34:16 serves as a cornerstone for understanding the nature of God's word and His unwavering faithfulness. It powerfully asserts that divine revelation is not merely human speculation or fallible prediction, but a living, active, and utterly dependable decree from the Almighty. The meticulous fulfillment of even the most minute details of prophecy, as guaranteed by God's own mouth and the orchestration of His Spirit, reinforces the profound truth that God is not a God of chaos or chance, but of perfect order and absolute control. This verse stands as a testament to the fact that what God declares, He infallibly brings to pass, whether it be a promise of blessing or a warning of judgment, thereby demanding our trust and diligent attention to His revealed will.

* [Deuteronomy 29:29](/deuteronomy/29-29 "Deuteronomy 29:29 - The Secret Things Belong to the Lord")
* [Psalm 33:11](/psalms/33-11 "Psalm 33:11 - The Counsel of the Lord Stands Forever")
* [Matthew 5:18](/matthew/5-18 "Matthew 5:18 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 34:16 is far more than an ancient prophecy about Edom; it is a timeless affirmation of the divine authority and unwavering reliability of God's word for all generations. In a world saturated with fleeting opinions, unreliable information, and broken promises, this verse calls us back to the enduring stability of God's truth. It challenges us to move beyond casual engagement with Scripture to a diligent, prayerful, and expectant "seeking out" and "reading" of "the book of the LORD." When we approach the Bible with the conviction that "no one of these shall fail," we cultivate a deeper trust in God's character and His sovereign plan, finding comfort in His promises and sober warning in His judgments. This trust empowers us to live with confidence, knowing that the God who commanded and gathered in ancient times is the same God who is meticulously working out all things according to His eternal purpose, and His word will always prove true, providing an unshakeable foundation for our lives and hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the command to "seek out of the book of the LORD, and read" challenge my current approach to engaging with Scripture?**
* **In what areas of my life do I struggle to fully trust that "no one of these shall fail" regarding God's promises or warnings?**
* **What does it mean for me, practically, to live in light of the truth that God's "mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them"?**
* **How can a deeper conviction in the infallibility of God's word strengthen my faith and equip me to face uncertainties?**

### FAQ
**What is "the book of the LORD" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The book of the LORD" (Hebrew: *sepher Yahweh*) in Isaiah 34:16 refers not to a specific book within the modern biblical canon, but rather to God's divinely inspired, authoritative written revelation as a whole. It encompasses all of God's decrees, prophecies, laws, and promises that have been revealed and recorded. It is the comprehensive body of God's word, which serves as the infallible record and testament to His plans and purposes, providing the means by which humanity can verify the certainty of His pronouncements. It underscores the idea that God's truth is accessible and verifiable through diligent study of His revealed word, much like [Deuteronomy 29:29 speaks of the revealed things belonging to us](/deuteronomy/29-29 "Deuteronomy 29:29 - The Secret Things Belong to the Lord").

**What is the significance of the phrase "none shall want her mate"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful and vivid idiom emphasizing the absolute and meticulous fulfillment of God's prophecy. In the context of Isaiah 34, it refers to the specific wild animals and birds mentioned in the preceding verses ([Isaiah 34:11-15, detailing the creatures of desolation](/isaiah/34-11-15 "Isaiah 34:11-15 - Creatures of Desolation")) that are prophesied to inhabit the desolate land of Edom. The imagery suggests that not a single one of these creatures will be missing, nor will any be without its designated partner or counterpart. It signifies that every single detail of God's judgment will be perfectly and completely realized, leaving no gaps, no omissions, and no unfulfilled aspects whatsoever. It highlights the divine precision and comprehensiveness of God's sovereign execution of His word, demonstrating that His plans are executed with perfect order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 34:16 primarily speaks to the certainty of Old Testament prophecy and judgment, its ultimate fulfillment and most profound meaning are found in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of "the book of the LORD," the living Word of God made flesh, through whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20, affirming God's promises in Christ](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). The meticulous precision guaranteed in this verse—"no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate"—is perfectly mirrored in Christ's fulfillment of every jot and tittle of the Law and the Prophets ([Matthew 5:17-18, where Jesus declares He came to fulfill, not abolish](/matthew/5-17-18 "Matthew 5:17-18 - Jesus Fulfills the Law and the Prophets")). His mouth commanded with divine authority, as seen in His miracles and teachings, and His Spirit continues to gather His people, building His church, just as God's Spirit gathered the creatures for Edom's desolation. The certainty of God's word in Isaiah 34:16 thus points forward to the absolute certainty of Christ's first coming, His atoning work on the cross, His resurrection, and the ultimate consummation of all things at His glorious return ([Revelation 22:20, with the final prayer for Jesus' return](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Jesus is Coming Soon")). In Christ, every divine decree, every prophetic utterance, and every promise of God finds its perfect, unfailing, and complete realization.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 33:9

For he spake, and it was [done]; he commanded, and it stood fast.

Joshua 1:8

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Matthew 5:18

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Psalms 33:6

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

Isaiah 30:8

¶ Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:

Proverbs 23:12

¶ Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

John 10:35

If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;